ZABUL, Afghanistan – Perhaps one of the most important moments in the career of any enlisted Soldier is when they become a noncommissioned officer. For 31 Troopers from FIRES Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment this moment was commemorated during an NCO induction ceremony held Monday, Jan 17 at Forward Operating Base Lagman in Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

“This ceremony is a tradition of the NCO Corp. It teaches, coaches and mentors these young NCOs, that they are the roots of the Noncommissioned Officer Corp,” said FIRES Command Sgt. Major Lorenzo Wallace. “They are assuming the great responsibility of taking care of the greatest resources our nation has given us, their sons and daughters.”

“This ceremony is a reminder to all NCOs that this responsibility cannot be neglected,” Wallace said.

During the ceremony inductees reaffirmed their commitment to the Corp by reciting the NCO Creed. Each Soldier then steps forward and receives the saber of leadership from Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Morris. Placing the saber against their right shoulder, each new NCO looks towards the Soldiers standing nearby and takes a step forward symbolizing their assumption of their new role and responsibilities.

According to Command Sgt. Major Wallace this ceremony immortalizes great things to come for these young leaders of tomorrow.

“For some of these inductees it’s a beginning point to be the future Sergeant Major of the Army,” Wallace said. Whatever career paths these individuals choose Wallace wishes them all the best in their new roles as the leaders of tomorrow.

“I salute these young NCOs because of the challenges that they will face in the future,” he said.

Ready and waiting: The future leaders of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment waiting to take their places among other great NCOs to become the backbone of the Army at the NCO induction ceremony at Forward Operating Base Lagman on Monday, Jan 17.(Photo by Maj. Robert Hoover)